Longhorns Providing Relief in February’s Winter Storm

On Feb. 15, a brutal winter storm impacted the lives of millions of Texans, and many still need support. Take a look at a few of the ways Longhorns across the country have answered the call to aid Texans in a crisis.   Alumni Efforts Matthew McConaughey, BS ’93, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, Minister of Culture, and Academy Award-winning actor, is co-hosting an upcoming virtual benefit with his wife, Camila, and the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation to assist in the long-term effort to rebuild Texas after the storm. More details about the benefit will be provided in the coming weeks. Watch video  Michael Huff, BS ’05, Texas Football alumnus and former NFL player, has sponsored thousands of meals from various restaurants across the state. He interacted with fans and Austin residents during and after the winter storm, even securing a job for a fan at Pinkerton’s BBQ. Huff provided food from Texas businesses such as Carpenter’s Cafe, Chick-fil-A, Juan in a Million, and Jubes Smokehouse. Read article Colt McCoy, BS ’09, served food, water, and supplies to thousands of students on campus during the storm. This was part of a larger effort at the University Co-op to help UT students affected by the storm and grid blackout. Read article Siete Family Foods, founded by Veronica Garza, BA ’03, president, and chief innovation officer of Siete Family Foods, and Miguel Garza, BBA ’09, JD ’12, the brand’s co-founder and CEO, helped to provide over 1,000 meals to the World Central Kitchen. Their efforts fed hundreds of Austin residents, including children at the Complex Care Clinic. Read on Twitter Tiffany Taylor Chen, BS ’01, and Leon Chen, BBA ’01, Life Members took a different approach to helping during the winter storm. Their business, Tiff’s Treats, is giving away 1,000 free cookie deliveries to those who helped provide relief to others during the storm. Using a nomination system, Tiff’s Treats randomly selected the heroes as a “thank you” for supporting their Texas community. Read article   UT Community Efforts UT’s Marine Science Institute rescued and rehabilitated nearly 1,000 sea turtles on the Gulf Coast before and during the storm. The Institute had the help of hundreds of volunteers in collecting the turtles and relocating them to warm, safe spaces until the water temperatures are more habitable. Read article UT professor and business owner, Kendra Scott, partnered with several Austin restaurants and offered hot meals at various locations. She partnered with businesses such as Veracruz Tacos, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Southside Flying Pizza and JP’s Pancake Company to provide food to Austinites. Read article Shmacked is a startup delivery service for the UT community, founded by students. The company stayed open throughout the entire storm, providing dozens of students with food, water bottles and other provisions. Shmacked prides itself on its “15-minute deliveries,” even with the unfavorable road conditions. Learn more UT Austin students are creative in a crisis, including Sam Miles, who utilized her large Twitter following to raise $12,000 on Venmo and crowdsource resources. Learn more The student body presidents of UT and Texas A&M have challenged Longhorn Nation and the Aggie Network to step up for a little friendly competition to see who can raise the most money for students in need.  Learn more   Longhorn Caucus Efforts With volunteer efforts ranging from Rep. Jim Murphy, BA ’82, passing out warm tacos at Ashford Elementary to Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA ’96, distributing water to families in need without power, many Longhorn legislators went into their communities to show their support and lend a hand to their fellow Texans during the winter storm.    As the state recovers from one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history, Longhorns continue to provide solutions and relief to families. If you know of an alumnus or story that should be added to this list, please let us know.

Longhorns Providing Relief in February’s Winter Storm

On Feb. 15, a brutal winter storm impacted the lives of millions of Texans, and many still need support. Take a look at a few of the ways Longhorns across the country have answered the call to aid Texans in a crisis.   Alumni Efforts Matthew McConaughey, BS ’93, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, Minister of Culture, and Academy Award-winning actor, is co-hosting an upcoming virtual benefit with his wife, Camila, and the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation to assist in the long-term effort to rebuild Texas after the storm. More details about the benefit will be provided in the coming weeks. Watch video  Michael Huff, BS ’05, Texas Football alumnus and former NFL player, has sponsored thousands of meals from various restaurants across the state. He interacted with fans and Austin residents during and after the winter storm, even securing a job for a fan at Pinkerton’s BBQ. Huff provided food from Texas businesses such as Carpenter’s Cafe, Chick-fil-A, Juan in a Million, and Jubes Smokehouse. Read article Colt McCoy, BS ’09, served food, water, and supplies to thousands of students on campus during the storm. This was part of a larger effort at the University Co-op to help UT students affected by the storm and grid blackout. Read article Siete Family Foods, founded by Veronica Garza, BA ’03, president, and chief innovation officer of Siete Family Foods, and Miguel Garza, BBA ’09, JD ’12, the brand’s co-founder and CEO, helped to provide over 1,000 meals to the World Central Kitchen. Their efforts fed hundreds of Austin residents, including children at the Complex Care Clinic. Read on Twitter Tiffany Taylor Chen, BS ’01, and Leon Chen, BBA ’01, Life Members took a different approach to helping during the winter storm. Their business, Tiff’s Treats, is giving away 1,000 free cookie deliveries to those who helped provide relief to others during the storm. Using a nomination system, Tiff’s Treats randomly selected the heroes as a “thank you” for supporting their Texas community. Read article   UT Community Efforts UT’s Marine Science Institute rescued and rehabilitated nearly 1,000 sea turtles on the Gulf Coast before and during the storm. The Institute had the help of hundreds of volunteers in collecting the turtles and relocating them to warm, safe spaces until the water temperatures are more habitable. Read article UT professor and business owner, Kendra Scott, partnered with several Austin restaurants and offered hot meals at various locations. She partnered with businesses such as Veracruz Tacos, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Southside Flying Pizza and JP’s Pancake Company to provide food to Austinites. Read article Shmacked is a startup delivery service for the UT community, founded by students. The company stayed open throughout the entire storm, providing dozens of students with food, water bottles and other provisions. Shmacked prides itself on its “15-minute deliveries,” even with the unfavorable road conditions. Learn more UT Austin students are creative in a crisis, including Sam Miles, who utilized her large Twitter following to raise $12,000 on Venmo and crowdsource resources. Learn more The student body presidents of UT and Texas A&M have challenged Longhorn Nation and the Aggie Network to step up for a little friendly competition to see who can raise the most money for students in need.  Learn more   Longhorn Caucus Efforts With volunteer efforts ranging from Rep. Jim Murphy, BA ’82, passing out warm tacos at Ashford Elementary to Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA ’96, distributing water to families in need without power, many Longhorn legislators went into their communities to show their support and lend a hand to their fellow Texans during the winter storm.    As the state recovers from one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history, Longhorns continue to provide solutions and relief to families. If you know of an alumnus or story that should be added to this list, please let us know.

Longhorns Providing Relief in February’s Winter Storm

On Feb. 15, a brutal winter storm impacted the lives of millions of Texans, and many still need support. Take a look at a few of the ways Longhorns across the country have answered the call to aid Texans in a crisis.   Alumni Efforts Matthew McConaughey, BS ’93, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, Minister of Culture, and Academy Award-winning actor, is co-hosting an upcoming virtual benefit with his wife, Camila, and the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation to assist in the long-term effort to rebuild Texas after the storm. More details about the benefit will be provided in the coming weeks. Watch video  Michael Huff, BS ’05, Texas Football alumnus and former NFL player, has sponsored thousands of meals from various restaurants across the state. He interacted with fans and Austin residents during and after the winter storm, even securing a job for a fan at Pinkerton’s BBQ. Huff provided food from Texas businesses such as Carpenter’s Cafe, Chick-fil-A, Juan in a Million, and Jubes Smokehouse. Read article Colt McCoy, BS ’09, served food, water, and supplies to thousands of students on campus during the storm. This was part of a larger effort at the University Co-op to help UT students affected by the storm and grid blackout. Read article Siete Family Foods, founded by Veronica Garza, BA ’03, president, and chief innovation officer of Siete Family Foods, and Miguel Garza, BBA ’09, JD ’12, the brand’s co-founder and CEO, helped to provide over 1,000 meals to the World Central Kitchen. Their efforts fed hundreds of Austin residents, including children at the Complex Care Clinic. Read on Twitter Tiffany Taylor Chen, BS ’01, and Leon Chen, BBA ’01, Life Members took a different approach to helping during the winter storm. Their business, Tiff’s Treats, is giving away 1,000 free cookie deliveries to those who helped provide relief to others during the storm. Using a nomination system, Tiff’s Treats randomly selected the heroes as a “thank you” for supporting their Texas community. Read article   UT Community Efforts UT’s Marine Science Institute rescued and rehabilitated nearly 1,000 sea turtles on the Gulf Coast before and during the storm. The Institute had the help of hundreds of volunteers in collecting the turtles and relocating them to warm, safe spaces until the water temperatures are more habitable. Read article UT professor and business owner, Kendra Scott, partnered with several Austin restaurants and offered hot meals at various locations. She partnered with businesses such as Veracruz Tacos, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Southside Flying Pizza and JP’s Pancake Company to provide food to Austinites. Read article Shmacked is a startup delivery service for the UT community, founded by students. The company stayed open throughout the entire storm, providing dozens of students with food, water bottles and other provisions. Shmacked prides itself on its “15-minute deliveries,” even with the unfavorable road conditions. Learn more UT Austin students are creative in a crisis, including Sam Miles, who utilized her large Twitter following to raise $12,000 on Venmo and crowdsource resources. Learn more The student body presidents of UT and Texas A&M have challenged Longhorn Nation and the Aggie Network to step up for a little friendly competition to see who can raise the most money for students in need.  Learn more   Longhorn Caucus Efforts With volunteer efforts ranging from Rep. Jim Murphy, BA ’82, passing out warm tacos at Ashford Elementary to Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA ’96, distributing water to families in need without power, many Longhorn legislators went into their communities to show their support and lend a hand to their fellow Texans during the winter storm.    As the state recovers from one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history, Longhorns continue to provide solutions and relief to families. If you know of an alumnus or story that should be added to this list, please let us know.

Longhorn Legislator Committee Leadership

As of January 12, the Texas Legislature gaveled into the 87th Legislative Session. As a part of the legislative process, representatives and senators are given committee assignments by the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House to review and debate legislation.  The Texas Exes recognizes and honors all our Longhorn leaders in the Texas Legislature for their service and dedication to advancing our state by strengthening higher education.  Below are the Longhorn legislators who were selected to lead House and Senate committees.    Texas Senate  Sen. Dawn Buckingham, BS '92  Chair, Senate Committee on Nominations   Sen. Brandon Creighton, BA '93  Chair, Senate Committee on Higher Education   Chair, Senate Select Committee on Ports  Sen. Nathan Johnson, JD '93   Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Administration  Sen. Charles Schwertner, BS '92  Chair, Senate Committee on Administration   Sen. Judith Zaffirini, BS '67, MA '70, PHD '78, Life Member, DAA  Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development     Texas House   Rep. Sheryl Cole, BBA '86, JD '91, Life Member  Vice-Chair, House Administration Committee  Rep. Philip Cortez, PHD '17, Life Member  Chair, House Urban Affairs Committee  Rep. Craig Goldman, BA '91, Life Member  Chair, House Energy Resources Committee  Rep. Mary González, BA '07, PHD '19  Vice-Chair, House Appropriations Committee  Rep. Ana Hernandez, JD '04  Vice-Chair, House State Affairs Committee  Rep. Abel Herrero, JD '97  Vice-Chair, House Energy Resources Committee  Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA '96, Life Member   Vice-Chair, House Human Services Committee  Rep. John Kuempel, BA '92, Life Member  Vice-Chair, House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee  Rep. J.M. Lozano, BA '03, Life Member  Vice-Chair, House Public Education Committee  Rep. Ben Leman, BBA '98  Vice-Chair, House Land & Resource Management Committee  Rep. Jim Murphy, BA '82   Chair, House Higher Education Committee  Rep. Richard Raymond Pena, BA '92, JD '06, Life Member  Chair, House Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee  Rep. Chris Turner, BA '96, Life Member Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry  

Longhorn Legislator Committee Leadership

As of January 12, the Texas Legislature gaveled into the 87th Legislative Session. As a part of the legislative process, representatives and senators are given committee assignments by the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House to review and debate legislation.  The Texas Exes recognizes and honors all our Longhorn leaders in the Texas Legislature for their service and dedication to advancing our state by strengthening higher education.  Below are the Longhorn legislators who were selected to lead House and Senate committees.    Texas Senate  Sen. Dawn Buckingham, BS '92  Chair, Senate Committee on Nominations   Sen. Brandon Creighton, BA '93  Chair, Senate Committee on Higher Education   Chair, Senate Select Committee on Ports  Sen. Nathan Johnson, JD '93   Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Administration  Sen. Charles Schwertner, BS '92  Chair, Senate Committee on Administration   Sen. Judith Zaffirini, BS '67, MA '70, PHD '78, Life Member, DAA  Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development     Texas House   Rep. Sheryl Cole, BBA '86, JD '91, Life Member  Vice-Chair, House Administration Committee  Rep. Philip Cortez, PHD '17, Life Member  Chair, House Urban Affairs Committee  Rep. Craig Goldman, BA '91, Life Member  Chair, House Energy Resources Committee  Rep. Mary González, BA '07, PHD '19  Vice-Chair, House Appropriations Committee  Rep. Ana Hernandez, JD '04  Vice-Chair, House State Affairs Committee  Rep. Abel Herrero, JD '97  Vice-Chair, House Energy Resources Committee  Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA '96, Life Member   Vice-Chair, House Human Services Committee  Rep. John Kuempel, BA '92, Life Member  Vice-Chair, House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee  Rep. J.M. Lozano, BA '03, Life Member  Vice-Chair, House Public Education Committee  Rep. Ben Leman, BBA '98  Vice-Chair, House Land & Resource Management Committee  Rep. Jim Murphy, BA '82   Chair, House Higher Education Committee  Rep. Richard Raymond Pena, BA '92, JD '06, Life Member  Chair, House Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee  Rep. Chris Turner, BA '96, Life Member Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry  

Longhorn Legislator Committee Leadership

As of January 12, the Texas Legislature gaveled into the 87th Legislative Session. As a part of the legislative process, representatives and senators are given committee assignments by the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House to review and debate legislation.  The Texas Exes recognizes and honors all our Longhorn leaders in the Texas Legislature for their service and dedication to advancing our state by strengthening higher education.  Below are the Longhorn legislators who were selected to lead House and Senate committees.    Texas Senate  Sen. Dawn Buckingham, BS '92  Chair, Senate Committee on Nominations   Sen. Brandon Creighton, BA '93  Chair, Senate Committee on Higher Education   Chair, Senate Select Committee on Ports  Sen. Nathan Johnson, JD '93   Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Administration  Sen. Charles Schwertner, BS '92  Chair, Senate Committee on Administration   Sen. Judith Zaffirini, BS '67, MA '70, PHD '78, Life Member, DAA  Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development     Texas House   Rep. Sheryl Cole, BBA '86, JD '91, Life Member  Vice-Chair, House Administration Committee  Rep. Philip Cortez, PHD '17, Life Member  Chair, House Urban Affairs Committee  Rep. Craig Goldman, BA '91, Life Member  Chair, House Energy Resources Committee  Rep. Mary González, BA '07, PHD '19  Vice-Chair, House Appropriations Committee  Rep. Ana Hernandez, JD '04  Vice-Chair, House State Affairs Committee  Rep. Abel Herrero, JD '97  Vice-Chair, House Energy Resources Committee  Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA '96, Life Member   Vice-Chair, House Human Services Committee  Rep. John Kuempel, BA '92, Life Member  Vice-Chair, House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee  Rep. J.M. Lozano, BA '03, Life Member  Vice-Chair, House Public Education Committee  Rep. Ben Leman, BBA '98  Vice-Chair, House Land & Resource Management Committee  Rep. Jim Murphy, BA '82   Chair, House Higher Education Committee  Rep. Richard Raymond Pena, BA '92, JD '06, Life Member  Chair, House Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee  Rep. Chris Turner, BA '96, Life Member Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry  

Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2025 Finalists

The Forty Acres Scholars Program is proud to announce the 65 finalists for the Class of 2025. Finalists were selected from over 4,700 applicants. Out of those, 173 semifinalists were chosen to advance to a video interview.    This year’s finalists come from six U.S. states and have been admitted to 12 different schools across the university. Many of them participate in nationally recognized organizations and competitions such as Model UN, DECA, and UIL. Many are also athletes, team captains, musicians, and student body presidents. Some are published authors, founders of nonprofits, school organizations and online platforms, business owners, researchers, and coders. Their time has been spent participating in countless hours of community service, leading clubs and organizations in their schools, and interning across the nation.    From March 4–6, these exceptional high school students will join us online to participate in our first-ever virtual Finalist Weekend. Activities will include visits with their admitted colleges, a mock class with a UT professor, a virtual campus tour, panels with current Forty Acres Scholars, optional daily activities, and an individual interview.    The Forty Acres Scholars Program inspires and nurtures visionary leaders and helps them use their talents to benefit society. Our scholars demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a track record of outstanding academic success. Most importantly, they have passion and a desire to live out the core values of The University of Texas at Austin. The three tenets of the program are community, connection, and discovery. The program is a transformational adventure that helps individuals reach their full potential, and, alongside academic achievement, focuses on personal development, relationship building, and gaining perspective. As the only program of its kind administered by an alumni association, Forty Acres Scholars develop a unique relationship with their alma mater and graduate with an extraordinary network of Longhorns standing behind them.   Scholarship funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, an enrichment stipend, and program activities.   Meet the finalists: Brydn Abraham  Centennial High School Frisco, TX     Stephanie Aguilera  North Mesquite High School Mesquite, TX     Angeline Ajit  Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science  Denton, TX     Olutoni Akintoye  KIPP Houston High School  Houston, TX     Sameer Balhara  Denmark High School  Alpharetta, GA     Kuba Bard  Cedar Park High School  Cedar Park, TX     Kinza Barrister  Great Hearts Irving  Irving, TX     Vivek Beeram  Saint Mary's Hall High School  San Antonio, TX     Stephano Boyer-Paulet  South Texas ISD Science Academy  Mercedes, TX     Avery Brooks  Georgetown High School  Georgetown, TX     Andrés Buckley  Franklin High School  El Paso, TX     Frances Cates  Hutchison School  Memphis, TN     Esha Chakraborti  The Woodlands College Park High School  The Woodlands, TX     Felix Chen  Westlake High School  Austin, TX     Melissa Derzavich  Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School  Miami, FL     Tanya Dhingra  Klein Cain High School  Klein, TX     Jeremiah Do   Garland High School  Garland, TX     Ethan Fang  The Kinkaid School  Houston, TX     Alicia Flores  New Caney High School  New Caney, TX     Sofia Flores  South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX     Faith Fulbright  Permian High School  Odessa, TX     Sanjna Ganjam  William B. Travis High School  Richmond, TX     Leila Garza  Milby High School  Houston, TX     Kayla Gillen  Leander High School  Leander, TX     Laysha Gonzalez  J.W. Nixon High School  Laredo, TX     Nina Hamuy  Pine Crest School  Fort Lauderdale, FL   Genevieve Holliday  Cherry Creek High School  Greenwood Village, CO     Tonya Hu  Dulles High School  Sugar Land, TX     Holly Hull  St. Paul High School  Shiner, TX     Eleanor Hutcheson  Westlake High School  Austin, TX     Noura Jabir  St. John's School  Houston, TX     Helen Jayesh  Earl Warren High School  San Antonio, TX     Esther Jin  Clear Springs High School  League City, TX     Abhinav Karthikeyan  Richard Montgomery High School  Rockville, MD     Stella Kastanek  Bishop Lynch High School  Dallas, TX     Leah Kegerreis  Trinity Christian Academy  Addison, TX     Aiden Lesneski  Northside Health Careers High School  San Antonio, TX     Niels Levy-Thiebaut  Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions  Houston, TX     Cindy Li  Glenda Dawson High School  Pearland, TX         Glen Liu  Westwood High School  Austin, TX     Emma Lloyd  Woodrow Wilson High School  Dallas, TX     Anoushka Luis  Frisco High School  Frisco, TX     Joshua Martin  Highland Park High School  Dallas, TX     Ethan Morales  YES Prep Southeast Houston, TX     Lisa Morin  IDEA San Benito College Preparatory  San Benito, TX     Ashwin Murali  Glenda Dawson High School  Pearland, TX     Joseph Newcomer  School of Science and Engineering  Dallas, TX     Rishi Niranjan  Plano West Senior High School  Plano, TX     Cristian Olivarez  La Feria High School  La Feria, TX     Elizabeth Palomares Guzman  YES Prep Northside  Houston, TX     Max Palys  St. Mark's School of Texas  Dallas, TX     Patrick Pham  St. Thomas High School  Houston, TX     Daniela Ponce Cartagena  IDEA Carver College Preparatory  San Antonio, TX     Chardelene Reyes  Cypress Springs High School  Cypress, TX     Melissa Richardson  Dripping Springs High School  Dripping Springs, TX     Diego Robbins  Legacy of Educational Excellence High School  San Antonio, TX     Mia Li Rodriguez  Los Fresnos High School  Los Fresnos, TX     Aiden Ross  School for the Talented and Gifted  Dallas, TX     Jordan Sampey  Southwest High School  San Antonio, TX     Noura Shoukfeh  Lubbock High School  Lubbock, TX     Caedon Spencer  James Bowie High School  Austin, TX     Aylin Tanriverdi  Westwood High School  Austin, TX     Nicholas Van Lente  James Bowie High School  Austin, TX     Michelle Wang  Clements High School  Sugar Land, TX     Shirley Zhu  Bellaire Senior High School  Bellaire, TX  

Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2025 Finalists

The Forty Acres Scholars Program is proud to announce the 65 finalists for the Class of 2025. Finalists were selected from over 4,700 applicants. Out of those, 173 semifinalists were chosen to advance to a video interview.    This year’s finalists come from six U.S. states and have been admitted to 12 different schools across the university. Many of them participate in nationally recognized organizations and competitions such as Model UN, DECA, and UIL. Many are also athletes, team captains, musicians, and student body presidents. Some are published authors, founders of nonprofits, school organizations and online platforms, business owners, researchers, and coders. Their time has been spent participating in countless hours of community service, leading clubs and organizations in their schools, and interning across the nation.    From March 4–6, these exceptional high school students will join us online to participate in our first-ever virtual Finalist Weekend. Activities will include visits with their admitted colleges, a mock class with a UT professor, a virtual campus tour, panels with current Forty Acres Scholars, optional daily activities, and an individual interview.    The Forty Acres Scholars Program inspires and nurtures visionary leaders and helps them use their talents to benefit society. Our scholars demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a track record of outstanding academic success. Most importantly, they have passion and a desire to live out the core values of The University of Texas at Austin. The three tenets of the program are community, connection, and discovery. The program is a transformational adventure that helps individuals reach their full potential, and, alongside academic achievement, focuses on personal development, relationship building, and gaining perspective. As the only program of its kind administered by an alumni association, Forty Acres Scholars develop a unique relationship with their alma mater and graduate with an extraordinary network of Longhorns standing behind them.   Scholarship funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, an enrichment stipend, and program activities.   Meet the finalists: Brydn Abraham  Centennial High School Frisco, TX     Stephanie Aguilera  North Mesquite High School Mesquite, TX     Angeline Ajit  Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science  Denton, TX     Olutoni Akintoye  KIPP Houston High School  Houston, TX     Sameer Balhara  Denmark High School  Alpharetta, GA     Kuba Bard  Cedar Park High School  Cedar Park, TX     Kinza Barrister  Great Hearts Irving  Irving, TX     Vivek Beeram  Saint Mary's Hall High School  San Antonio, TX     Stephano Boyer-Paulet  South Texas ISD Science Academy  Mercedes, TX     Avery Brooks  Georgetown High School  Georgetown, TX     Andrés Buckley  Franklin High School  El Paso, TX     Frances Cates  Hutchison School  Memphis, TN     Esha Chakraborti  The Woodlands College Park High School  The Woodlands, TX     Felix Chen  Westlake High School  Austin, TX     Melissa Derzavich  Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School  Miami, FL     Tanya Dhingra  Klein Cain High School  Klein, TX     Jeremiah Do   Garland High School  Garland, TX     Ethan Fang  The Kinkaid School  Houston, TX     Alicia Flores  New Caney High School  New Caney, TX     Sofia Flores  South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX     Faith Fulbright  Permian High School  Odessa, TX     Sanjna Ganjam  William B. Travis High School  Richmond, TX     Leila Garza  Milby High School  Houston, TX     Kayla Gillen  Leander High School  Leander, TX     Laysha Gonzalez  J.W. Nixon High School  Laredo, TX     Nina Hamuy  Pine Crest School  Fort Lauderdale, FL   Genevieve Holliday  Cherry Creek High School  Greenwood Village, CO     Tonya Hu  Dulles High School  Sugar Land, TX     Holly Hull  St. Paul High School  Shiner, TX     Eleanor Hutcheson  Westlake High School  Austin, TX     Noura Jabir  St. John's School  Houston, TX     Helen Jayesh  Earl Warren High School  San Antonio, TX     Esther Jin  Clear Springs High School  League City, TX     Abhinav Karthikeyan  Richard Montgomery High School  Rockville, MD     Stella Kastanek  Bishop Lynch High School  Dallas, TX     Leah Kegerreis  Trinity Christian Academy  Addison, TX     Aiden Lesneski  Northside Health Careers High School  San Antonio, TX     Niels Levy-Thiebaut  Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions  Houston, TX     Cindy Li  Glenda Dawson High School  Pearland, TX         Glen Liu  Westwood High School  Austin, TX     Emma Lloyd  Woodrow Wilson High School  Dallas, TX     Anoushka Luis  Frisco High School  Frisco, TX     Joshua Martin  Highland Park High School  Dallas, TX     Ethan Morales  YES Prep Southeast Houston, TX     Lisa Morin  IDEA San Benito College Preparatory  San Benito, TX     Ashwin Murali  Glenda Dawson High School  Pearland, TX     Joseph Newcomer  School of Science and Engineering  Dallas, TX     Rishi Niranjan  Plano West Senior High School  Plano, TX     Cristian Olivarez  La Feria High School  La Feria, TX     Elizabeth Palomares Guzman  YES Prep Northside  Houston, TX     Max Palys  St. Mark's School of Texas  Dallas, TX     Patrick Pham  St. Thomas High School  Houston, TX     Daniela Ponce Cartagena  IDEA Carver College Preparatory  San Antonio, TX     Chardelene Reyes  Cypress Springs High School  Cypress, TX     Melissa Richardson  Dripping Springs High School  Dripping Springs, TX     Diego Robbins  Legacy of Educational Excellence High School  San Antonio, TX     Mia Li Rodriguez  Los Fresnos High School  Los Fresnos, TX     Aiden Ross  School for the Talented and Gifted  Dallas, TX     Jordan Sampey  Southwest High School  San Antonio, TX     Noura Shoukfeh  Lubbock High School  Lubbock, TX     Caedon Spencer  James Bowie High School  Austin, TX     Aylin Tanriverdi  Westwood High School  Austin, TX     Nicholas Van Lente  James Bowie High School  Austin, TX     Michelle Wang  Clements High School  Sugar Land, TX     Shirley Zhu  Bellaire Senior High School  Bellaire, TX  

Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2025 Finalists

The Forty Acres Scholars Program is proud to announce the 65 finalists for the Class of 2025. Finalists were selected from over 4,700 applicants. Out of those, 173 semifinalists were chosen to advance to a video interview.    This year’s finalists come from six U.S. states and have been admitted to 12 different schools across the university. Many of them participate in nationally recognized organizations and competitions such as Model UN, DECA, and UIL. Many are also athletes, team captains, musicians, and student body presidents. Some are published authors, founders of nonprofits, school organizations and online platforms, business owners, researchers, and coders. Their time has been spent participating in countless hours of community service, leading clubs and organizations in their schools, and interning across the nation.    From March 4–6, these exceptional high school students will join us online to participate in our first-ever virtual Finalist Weekend. Activities will include visits with their admitted colleges, a mock class with a UT professor, a virtual campus tour, panels with current Forty Acres Scholars, optional daily activities, and an individual interview.    The Forty Acres Scholars Program inspires and nurtures visionary leaders and helps them use their talents to benefit society. Our scholars demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a track record of outstanding academic success. Most importantly, they have passion and a desire to live out the core values of The University of Texas at Austin. The three tenets of the program are community, connection, and discovery. The program is a transformational adventure that helps individuals reach their full potential, and, alongside academic achievement, focuses on personal development, relationship building, and gaining perspective. As the only program of its kind administered by an alumni association, Forty Acres Scholars develop a unique relationship with their alma mater and graduate with an extraordinary network of Longhorns standing behind them.   Scholarship funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, an enrichment stipend, and program activities.   Meet the finalists: Brydn Abraham  Centennial High School Frisco, TX     Stephanie Aguilera  North Mesquite High School Mesquite, TX     Angeline Ajit  Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science  Denton, TX     Olutoni Akintoye  KIPP Houston High School  Houston, TX     Sameer Balhara  Denmark High School  Alpharetta, GA     Kuba Bard  Cedar Park High School  Cedar Park, TX     Kinza Barrister  Great Hearts Irving  Irving, TX     Vivek Beeram  Saint Mary's Hall High School  San Antonio, TX     Stephano Boyer-Paulet  South Texas ISD Science Academy  Mercedes, TX     Avery Brooks  Georgetown High School  Georgetown, TX     Andrés Buckley  Franklin High School  El Paso, TX     Frances Cates  Hutchison School  Memphis, TN     Esha Chakraborti  The Woodlands College Park High School  The Woodlands, TX     Felix Chen  Westlake High School  Austin, TX     Melissa Derzavich  Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School  Miami, FL     Tanya Dhingra  Klein Cain High School  Klein, TX     Jeremiah Do   Garland High School  Garland, TX     Ethan Fang  The Kinkaid School  Houston, TX     Alicia Flores  New Caney High School  New Caney, TX     Sofia Flores  South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX     Faith Fulbright  Permian High School  Odessa, TX     Sanjna Ganjam  William B. Travis High School  Richmond, TX     Leila Garza  Milby High School  Houston, TX     Kayla Gillen  Leander High School  Leander, TX     Laysha Gonzalez  J.W. Nixon High School  Laredo, TX     Nina Hamuy  Pine Crest School  Fort Lauderdale, FL   Genevieve Holliday  Cherry Creek High School  Greenwood Village, CO     Tonya Hu  Dulles High School  Sugar Land, TX     Holly Hull  St. Paul High School  Shiner, TX     Eleanor Hutcheson  Westlake High School  Austin, TX     Noura Jabir  St. John's School  Houston, TX     Helen Jayesh  Earl Warren High School  San Antonio, TX     Esther Jin  Clear Springs High School  League City, TX     Abhinav Karthikeyan  Richard Montgomery High School  Rockville, MD     Stella Kastanek  Bishop Lynch High School  Dallas, TX     Leah Kegerreis  Trinity Christian Academy  Addison, TX     Aiden Lesneski  Northside Health Careers High School  San Antonio, TX     Niels Levy-Thiebaut  Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions  Houston, TX     Cindy Li  Glenda Dawson High School  Pearland, TX         Glen Liu  Westwood High School  Austin, TX     Emma Lloyd  Woodrow Wilson High School  Dallas, TX     Anoushka Luis  Frisco High School  Frisco, TX     Joshua Martin  Highland Park High School  Dallas, TX     Ethan Morales  YES Prep Southeast Houston, TX     Lisa Morin  IDEA San Benito College Preparatory  San Benito, TX     Ashwin Murali  Glenda Dawson High School  Pearland, TX     Joseph Newcomer  School of Science and Engineering  Dallas, TX     Rishi Niranjan  Plano West Senior High School  Plano, TX     Cristian Olivarez  La Feria High School  La Feria, TX     Elizabeth Palomares Guzman  YES Prep Northside  Houston, TX     Max Palys  St. Mark's School of Texas  Dallas, TX     Patrick Pham  St. Thomas High School  Houston, TX     Daniela Ponce Cartagena  IDEA Carver College Preparatory  San Antonio, TX     Chardelene Reyes  Cypress Springs High School  Cypress, TX     Melissa Richardson  Dripping Springs High School  Dripping Springs, TX     Diego Robbins  Legacy of Educational Excellence High School  San Antonio, TX     Mia Li Rodriguez  Los Fresnos High School  Los Fresnos, TX     Aiden Ross  School for the Talented and Gifted  Dallas, TX     Jordan Sampey  Southwest High School  San Antonio, TX     Noura Shoukfeh  Lubbock High School  Lubbock, TX     Caedon Spencer  James Bowie High School  Austin, TX     Aylin Tanriverdi  Westwood High School  Austin, TX     Nicholas Van Lente  James Bowie High School  Austin, TX     Michelle Wang  Clements High School  Sugar Land, TX     Shirley Zhu  Bellaire Senior High School  Bellaire, TX  

Katherine Tong, BA ’12, a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.  

Katherine Tong, BA ’12, has been a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.   During the 87th Texas Legislative Session, we’re sharing special alumni stories about Longhorns who stepped up in a time of crisis.  As Economics Partnership Manager for the Houston Food Bank, Tong has seen the level of need in the community dramatically increase. In May of 2020, the organization served 143 percent more households than it did the previous year.   Through innovation and special partnerships, the Houston Food Bank has remained a lifeline for individuals and families during unprecedented times. In order to quickly scale their operation, and implement a complex, drive-thru system, Tong worked with companies like United Airlines. With their help, the food bank created Neighborhood Super Sites, which can distribute food to 1,500–9,000 vehicles at a time. Participants receive anywhere from 65–100 pounds of food, including produce, frozen meat, dairy, and bread. This assistance helps families focus their income on other critical areas like medicine, utilities, and rent.     Tong’s tireless work and dedication has helped the food bank meet the moment and increase its impact in the greater Houston are. Born and raised in Houston, Tong’s love for her hometown has been a driving force in her career.    Join a community of like-minded Longhorns by becoming a UT Advocate like Tong today.   Already a UT Advocate? Have an email or tweet sent on your behalf to share the positive impact of UT Austin for the state!     

Katherine Tong, BA ’12, a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.  

Katherine Tong, BA ’12, has been a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.   During the 87th Texas Legislative Session, we’re sharing special alumni stories about Longhorns who stepped up in a time of crisis.  As Economics Partnership Manager for the Houston Food Bank, Tong has seen the level of need in the community dramatically increase. In May of 2020, the organization served 143 percent more households than it did the previous year.   Through innovation and special partnerships, the Houston Food Bank has remained a lifeline for individuals and families during unprecedented times. In order to quickly scale their operation, and implement a complex, drive-thru system, Tong worked with companies like United Airlines. With their help, the food bank created Neighborhood Super Sites, which can distribute food to 1,500–9,000 vehicles at a time. Participants receive anywhere from 65–100 pounds of food, including produce, frozen meat, dairy, and bread. This assistance helps families focus their income on other critical areas like medicine, utilities, and rent.     Tong’s tireless work and dedication has helped the food bank meet the moment and increase its impact in the greater Houston are. Born and raised in Houston, Tong’s love for her hometown has been a driving force in her career.    Join a community of like-minded Longhorns by becoming a UT Advocate like Tong today.   Already a UT Advocate? Have an email or tweet sent on your behalf to share the positive impact of UT Austin for the state!     

Katherine Tong, BA ’12, a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.  

Katherine Tong, BA ’12, has been a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.   During the 87th Texas Legislative Session, we’re sharing special alumni stories about Longhorns who stepped up in a time of crisis.  As Economics Partnership Manager for the Houston Food Bank, Tong has seen the level of need in the community dramatically increase. In May of 2020, the organization served 143 percent more households than it did the previous year.   Through innovation and special partnerships, the Houston Food Bank has remained a lifeline for individuals and families during unprecedented times. In order to quickly scale their operation, and implement a complex, drive-thru system, Tong worked with companies like United Airlines. With their help, the food bank created Neighborhood Super Sites, which can distribute food to 1,500–9,000 vehicles at a time. Participants receive anywhere from 65–100 pounds of food, including produce, frozen meat, dairy, and bread. This assistance helps families focus their income on other critical areas like medicine, utilities, and rent.     Tong’s tireless work and dedication has helped the food bank meet the moment and increase its impact in the greater Houston are. Born and raised in Houston, Tong’s love for her hometown has been a driving force in her career.    Join a community of like-minded Longhorns by becoming a UT Advocate like Tong today.   Already a UT Advocate? Have an email or tweet sent on your behalf to share the positive impact of UT Austin for the state!